Tokyo (VNA) - Japan’s Okinawa prefecture authority attaches importance to promoting relations with Vietnam across fields, governor Takeshi Onaga has told Vietna⭕mese Ambassador to the country Nguyen Quoc Cuong.

Ambassador Cuong paid a three-day visit to the southernmost locality from July 18, where he met local officials and representatives of local enterprises with a view to boosting connections between Okinawa and Vietnam. Takeshi Onaga briefed the Vietnamese diplomat on Okinawa’s socio-economic development, stressing that the locality is providing a gateway for Japan to connect with Southeast Asia. Meeting with Ambassador Cuong, head of the Okinawa Prefectural Assembly Yonekichi Shinzato recalled a visit made by local businesses to Vietnam to prepare for the opening of a glass production plant in the country. The Vietnamese diplomat hoped cooperation between Vietnam and Okinawa will be stronger in the time ahead, especially in tourism, agriculture, support industry and handicrafts. He asked the Japanese local authority to make it easier for local enterprises to receive more Vietnamese trainees and labourers, while supporting Vietnamese expats living and working in the locality. Holding a talk with representatives from several enterprises and policy researchers of the locality, Ambassador Cuong introduced Vietnam’s socio-economic strategy and extensive international integration. Participants said they believe that Vietnam will achieve greater achievements in its renewal process and international integration. During his stay, the Vietnamese diplomat also joined an annual meeting of the Okinawa-Vietnam Friendship Association, during which he expressed his deep gratitude towards the people in Okinawa for their valuable support for Vietnam through anti-war movements in Vietnam in the past, and activities to foster economic and cultural exchanges with Vietnam in recent decades.-VNA